NASA's Lucy mission struggles with solar array issue after launching to space - CNN
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
After Lucy successfully separated from the rocket, it deployed both solar arrays."Lucy will be NASA's first mission to travel this far away from the sun without nuclear power," said Joan Salute, associate director for flight programs at NASA's Planetary Science Division, during a press conference last week."In order to generate enough energy, Lucy has two very large circular solar arrays that open up like Chinese fans.These open up autonomously and simultaneously."
Currently, the team says the Lucy spacecraft is healthy.This power level is enough to keep the spacecraft healthy and functioning."
Since the partial solar array deployment, Lucy has been in safe mode and only running essential functions, but it transitioned to cruise mode on Tuesday."The team continues its assessment and an attempt to fully deploy the solar array is planned no earlier than the end of next week."
The team confirmed that Lucy was able to fire its thrusters to turn the spacecraft using the current configuration of the solar arrays.